LGBTQ* Insight and Ideas
(following text from PflagWestchester)
An Effective Ally…
• Respects confidentiality.
• Allows individuals to lead the direction of the conversation, lets them
make their own choices, and listens, listens, listens.
• Talks to LGBT family, friends, and coworkers.
• Avoids assumptions and stereotyping.
• Tries using gender-neutral terms when talking about significant others,
spouses, and partners.
• Expects to make some mistakes, but doesn’t use them as an excuse
for not acting.
• Acknowledges how homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism have
operated in their life.
• Educates themself about issues facing LGBT people.
• Has a sense of humor.
• Knows when and how to refer somebody to outside help, and to get
professional adult intervention when necessary.
An Effective Ally Doesn’t …
• Have all the answers.
• Try to “fix” problems
• Proceed with an interaction if boundaries or personal safety have been
violated.
Photo from: NYU’s Ally Week. Copied from: Toronto District School Board’s website